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HONG KONG - Mixing religion and politics, China's state-sanctioned churches have opened a Bible exhibit here that appeared to be aimed at helping Beijing's allies in upcoming legislative elections.

In a rare sight, dignitaries from the officially atheist communist government bowed their heads during a prayer - part of a ceremony that analysts say was intended to polish Beijing's image in a heated political season.

Beijing angered many Hong Kongers by ruling in April that ordinary residents cannot directly elect their next leader in 2007 or all lawmakers in 2008, and voters are expected to vent their frustrations by supporting opposition politicians in the Sept 12 legislative polls.

The Chinese authorities keep a tight leash on churches that attempt to operate independently in the mainland, but the visiting Chinese clerics said they are free to worship under the state's rules.

'Believers and atheists should not have a mutually exclusive relationship,' said Bishop K.H. Ting, honorary president of the China Christian Council.

'Atheists are our friends, not our enemies,' he said.

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SI Moderator - Greg Gordon